21st-22nd October

Pretty torrid birding conditions on the 21st saw little seen but lingering thrushes with calmer conditions on the 22nd resulted in a better tally of birds. The 1stW drake American Wigeon was relocated on the coast off Bridesness, where 3 new groups of Whooper Swans passed south (totalling 15 birds) with the 4 still on Bewan Loch. The Yellowhammer and Tree Sparrow were both seen again and the Redwing total reached 819 birds. A sea-watch in the afternoon was hampered somewhat by poor visibility but 8 Sooty Shearwaters, 4 Long-tailed Ducks and an Arctic Skua were of note.